Apple workers file lawsuit for lost wages due to bag searches

Former employees at Apple stores in New York and Los Angeles have filed a class action suit, claiming the iPhone maker required them to stand in line for up to 30 minutes every shift and wait for a manager to search their bags.

According to a complaint filed in San Francisco federal court, the searches result in Apple workers being deprived of around $1,500 a year in unpaid wages:

Employees .. are required to wait in line and be searched for .. merchandise taken without permission and/or other contraband. […] A large number of Specialists and Managers leave for lunch at the same time and/or end their shift at the same time. This creates lengthy lines and backups .

The lawsuit was filed by Amanda Frlekin who worked at Apple’s Century City store in Los Angeles and Dean Pelle who was employed at its Soho location in New York. Both worked as “Specialists” until this spring, and are now seeking to sue on behalf of thousands of Apple workers across the country.

The former employees claim that Apple’s “personal package and bag search” policy results in staff being forced to stand around for 5 to 15 minutes every time they clock out for a meal break or leave work at the end of their shift.

The lawsuit, which seeks an unspecified amount of damages, claims Apple is violating the Fair Labor Standards Act and state laws in New York and California.

Apple, which is facing a new controversy over labor standards in China, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Here’s a copy of the complaint: